Delaware beaches top ratings...again

Once again, Delaware's beaches are among the country's "Superstar Beaches," awarded for having the cleanest water in the nation, earning Delaware the number one spot out of 30 states for clean water quality overall.

The National Resources Defense Council gave Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches 5-star ratings for water quality, a designation the state's most popular beaches have earned for the past four years. There were only a total of 13 beaches named to the NRDC's list.

“Clean water quality and nourished ocean beaches are vital to tourism, job growth and Delaware’s economy,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “Delaware’s ranking as first in the country for swimming water quality and our beautifully-nourished community beaches continue to make our coastal resorts national destinations of choice.”

“For yet another year, Delaware’s beaches have been recognized as some of the best in the country. That’s due in no small part to our state’s efforts to clean up and preserve our coastline,” said Sen. Tom Carper.

“Here in Delaware, we know that protecting our beautiful coastline isn’t just important to summer fun, but to our local economy, too. Keeping our water clean, beaches healthy, and coastal infrastructure secure is a priority at every level," Sen. Chris Coons said.

“Every year, thousands of Delawareans, and millions more from across the country visit Delaware’s beaches. They come to enjoy our pristine shoreline with the highest quality beach water in the nation. In the process, they support both the state and local economy,” said U.S. Representative John Carney.

According to a University of Delaware study, the state's beaches and coastal economy generates almost $7 billion a year and supports close to 60,000 jobs.

The NRDC also recognized Delaware's Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Recreational Water Quality Testing Program as one of the most comprehensive in the nation. DNREC posts up-to-date water quality results on its website.

The NRDC is a non-partisan international environmental advocacy group that assesses all beaches in 30 coastal states.

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